Ex-teammate Tony Williams sacked for ‘appalling’ response to Hayne sentence

A rugby league star has been sacked immediately by his club after making “despicable” social media posts following Jarryd Hayne’s sentencing.

Jarryd Hayne’s former Parramatta teammate Tony Williams has been sacked by his New York club after making “appalling” social media posts in response to Jarryd Hayne’s sentencing on Thursday.

The ex-superstar of Australian sport will be jailed for at least three years and eight months without parole for sexually assaulting a woman in her Newcastle home in 2018. He was given a maximum sentence of five years and nine months.

Hayne had been found guilty of two counts of sexual intercourse without consent. He was found not guilty of the more serious charges of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent, recklessly inflicting actual bodily harm.

The convicted sex offender has launched an appeal against his rape conviction.

Williams, a former Australian Kangaroos representative star, and retired Parramatta star Krisnane Inu both came under fire on Thursday for Instagram posts that appeared to attack Hayne’s victim.

Williams last week became the highest profile player to sign with the North American Rugby League after announcing his move to the New York Freedom.

The club announced Friday, the contract has now been torn up.

Tony Williams played for the Bulldogs for five seasons.

In an official statement posted on Twitter, the club wrote: “In light of comments made by Tony Williams regarding the sentencing of Jarryd Hayne, New York Freedom can confirm that the contract between Tony and the club has been terminated.

“New York Freedom condemns Tony’s comments.

“And his opinions are not the opinions of New York Freedom or any party involved with the club.

“Tony spoke for himself via his own social media channel of which the club has no control.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Tony Williams

We cannot control what others do, but we can control how we respond. In light of the comments made by Tony Williams, his contract with New York Freedom has been terminated.

Thank you for your continued support🗽#newyorkfreedom#tonywilliamspic.twitter.com/UIGxnUsjCG

— New York Freedom RL (@newyork_RL) May 7, 2021

“New York Freedom understands the hurt caused by these comments and takes this issue very seriously.

“As a club we are dedicated to growing the great sport of rugby league and are committed to it always being an inclusive, safe and family-oriented environment.

“In light of the comments made by Tony Williams, his contract with New York Freedom has been terminated.

“New York Freedom understands the hurt caused by these comments.”

‘Sorry’: Williams apologises after sacking

Jarryd Hayne arrives, surrounded by supporters, at Newcastle District Court.

Williams had posted a message to his Instagram Story after Hayne was sentenced on Thursday, claiming the Parramatta great was innocent.

“Fn dogs,” Williams wrote.

“To all Haynsy’s family and friends stay strong for him and let God do he’s thing I love you all … God always prevails.

“Before I let this be just want to congratulate the victim and the so called justice system you’ve sent an innocent brotherly to jail away from he’s kids you bunch of flops … that’s all respectfully.”

But after the day of criticism and getting his contract torn up, Williams took to Instagram again.

“To anyone that I may of offended I speak from the heart and most of time it’s out of anger a brother has been convicted,” he wrote. “It isn’t easy to take.”

“For people that know me know that I’m loyal and loving and sometimes gets the best of me but will never leave a brothers back when he needs me to hold him up.

“I apologise for the choice of words I used and to anyone that I have hurt. To all the friends and family stay in it and a lot of love to you all.. esp to people that support me..Sorry.”

Tony Williams apologised on Instagram.

Williams played alongside Hayne at the Parramatta Eels in 2008, finishing his NRL career with 170 matches and 50 tries.

Another of Hayne’s former teammates, Krisnan Inu, posted similar remarks to his Instagram on Thursday.

“Not enough words can express how I’m feeling for my lil bro,” Inu wrote.

“Don’t think justice was served to it’s proper intent. To the so called victim. Hope you actually get the help you need, because the things that was said about my boy, wasn’t what he’s about. Never has, never will be.

“I’m praying for you my Uso. Keep your faith strong like it has been, and let your loved ones come together to help look after your family. Love you Bula.

“And to his loving family, if there’s anything youse need, I got youse.”

Inu played four seasons at the Parramatta Eels alongside Hayne between 2007-2010, scoring 37 tries in 78 NRL games.

Some people and some footy players need some serious help. I can’t believe some of the responses to the news about Hayne’s sentencing. And we wonder why women don’t report... pic.twitter.com/vQySVLfhSj

— LadiesWhoLeague (@LadiesWhoLeague) May 6, 2021

Inu also responded via Instagram.

Inu also responded on social media as well.

‘Appalling’ reaction to Hayne sentencing

People on social media labelled the support for Hayne as the “problem with sports mad Australia”.

AAP journalist Scott Bailey tweeted: “Some of the comments by former NRL players tonight has been downright appalling. No two ways about it.

“Again, I should clarify it is the minority of former players making the comments. But unfortunately those kind of voices are enough to promote a culture where victims don’t feel comfortable reporting sexual assaults.”

Sports reporter Mark Gottlieb posted: “Never has the rotten culture inside rugby league been so exposed than by the social media comments of some of Jarryd Hayne’s friends and supporters tonight. Most players are good people and they’re the ones who should stand up and shout down the ignorant minority.

“If Hayne’s friends had come out with messages of support and said they believed he was innocent (despite being found guilty in a court of law) that is perfectly fine but that’s not what they did. They targeted their vitriol at the victim. It’s despicable. They should be ashamed.”

Former Wallaby and acclaimed author Peter FitzSimons tweeted: “Hayne is a rapist and does not deserve public support. Players still playing catch up on how to hold each other accountable.”

Law academic at the Australian National University, Dilan Thampapillai, wrote: “It’s shocking and disappointing that there are people defending Jarryd Hayne after his conviction. It’s worse that there was an attempt to intimidate his victim. We have a long way to go as a society.”

Earlier this week, Hayne was spotted with NRL star Corey Norman as the fallen football player tried to enjoy his final days as a free man.

Dragons five-eighth Norman posted a photo to Instagram on Tuesday alongside Hayne and another friend, with the caption: “Catch ups.”

Disgraceful scenes after former NRL superstar jailed

Jarryd Hayne supporters clash with the media out the front of Newcastle Court.

There were violent scenes outside the Newcastle Court House after Hayne was sentenced on Thursday.

One of his supporters was labelled a “disgrace” by police after he appeared to spit on the ground in the victim’s direction as she left the court.

The same supporter then made unfounded allegations about the woman, who was 26-years-old at the time of the rape, to the press and had a running verbal battle with one female reporter.

A violent brawl also erupted as a group of friends and family attempted to shield Hayne’s wife as she walked out of the courthouse.

Several of them waved umbrellas and formed a scrum around Amellia Bonnici as she attempted to get into a waiting car.

One photographer told NCA NewsWire that he was punched in the back of the head and placed in a headlock.

“It’s a reflection on them, it’s absolutely disgraceful and disgusting,” NSW Police Detective Inspector Eugene Stek said.

— with NCA NewsWire